Factory Inspectorate (Equal Pay)

HC Deb 11 March 1954 vol 524 cc2406-7

7 Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Labour on what date equal pay commenced to grade II factory inspectors.

Sir W. Monckton

In 1929.

Miss Ward

Is it not absolutely ridiculous that a concession which was rightly granted to grade II women factory inspectors in 1929, presumably with the connivance of the Treasury and unknown to my right hon. and learned Friend, should not now, by the exercise of the justice for which my right hon. and learned Friend is famed, be extended to the grade III and, if there are any, grade I factory inspectors? Is the Minister aware that the whole House will be hanging on his action?

Sir W. Monckton

I ought to make a further admission to my hon. Friend. Although the position was not exactly the same before 1929—that was when grade II began—as far as my researches go, substantially the same pay and starting salary were to be found as long ago as 1893.

Dr. Summerskill

What factors influenced the Minister's predecessors in granting this favourable discrimination?

Sir W. Monckton

I should prefer to ask the right hon. Lady to ask two of her right hon. Friends on the Front Bench what factors induced them to retain it during their time in office.